By: Fr. Bert Boholst, SJ
After ordination to the priesthood, the constant question to me was, “Why do you need to go East Timor when there is also a greater need in the Philippines?” My favorite answer was, “We just don’t share our extras; we give whatever we have, even with our very own needs before us.”
Three years have passed by so quickly, and I have already moved to three communities with varying assignments in each place. As expected, there were many questions and apprehensions in the beginning, a lot of creative tensions along the way, some solutions were found, but the mission continues with all its complexities.
I was very excited and zealous to be part of our new school, but after a while, I began to see how daunting the task at hand of establishing a new institution; so I asked many difficult questions. I simply wanted the best possible move to make sure that we deliver quality Jesuit education, but at times, it could be draining and wearying. One thing is clear, it takes time, and it involves many people, there is no short cut. We have our own personal plans but God has His own better plan as well.
At the height of my involvement with our new school, the Diocese asked the Jesuits to take care of a parochial school in the mountains of Railaco. I was the most disposable Jesuit personnel at that time; so out of obedience, I obliged myself to face a school with a tumultuous recent past. I was adamant in the beginning because I knew that in Railaco I would have less access to Jesuit resources, but I was assured of other possible assistance from others. It was indeed difficult in the beginning, but we have survived and as a school community, we have bounced back very gracefully.
Good communication strategy was crucial in winning the confidence of those who doubted our intentions. Transparency was key in gaining their trust. Involving the stakeholders was important for our initiatives to prosper. Dialogue and meaningful conversations made people feel important and that they belong to a community. Regular presence of Jesuits at school assured them of our commitment. Doing by example motivated them to do good if not better as well. Establishing linkages and collaboration with others in the community can make our efforts last a bit longer. Empowering our lay partners will hopefully equip them to continue this school beyond 2019, the year our contract with the Diocese expires.
Many of our students are slowly appreciating our efforts to share Ignatian Spirituality and Pedagogy. But many of them still prefer the easy way. Parents are very slow in responding to our invitation of co-laboring in the formation of their children. Teachers have difficulty in sustaining their enthusiasm to do better in their works. Jesuits come and go so quickly; so continuity is an issue. The Ministry of Education is struggling to establish its systems and procedures. The Church would sometimes insist on its power over the finances of the school, but is not yet willing to take responsibility of its total welfare. We are only very lucky because there have been many generous benefactors and friends who have continuously helped us.
The dream of our Superior was to make this school as an exemplar to others in East Timor. We have tried our best, but we are still far from ideal; however, we have to constantly remind ourselves that we are only a Jesuit-run school. We, Jesuits, are giving our full selves, even if at times we feel not appreciated, because we are not only working for success, we are here to participate in God’s works of establishing the Kingdom even here on earth. We have been trying to be professional in our words and works, but the call for compassion and mercy is primordial over strict compliance of the letter of the law. We are here to accompany them to dream big and aim high while at the same rooted in their very own social realities. Surely the works are always unfinished, but our hope is that our presence in this place would inspire them to always look for the magis, the more, the better ways of doing things so as to promote Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, the greater glory of God.
Looking back, I now begin to see and appreciate my move to the mountains even against my personal will. It is about being sent to be shared, a sharing even amidst our own apostolic needs, because we trust that God provides. Our own plans are important because they provide us a yardstick to measure our human strides, but we must always listen and discern the bigger vision of God, because we are indeed only co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.
He is currently Director of Escola Secundaria Católica Nossa Senhora de Fátima Railaco, the parochial Senior High School in Railaco, East Timor.